The literature in English education has discussed at length the proposed goals of English as a tool for international communication, diversity, and the mutual sharing of cultures. In Colombia, different policies have aimed at making "bilingualism" a policy and educational priority that wants to help Colombian students turn these goals about communication and diversity into a reality. However, a more critical view of bilingual education and its larger role within culture questions what bilingualism really fosters. Specifically, there is a concern about the larger question of whether or not being "bilingual" does indeed make one more "cosmopolitan" or simply perpetuates certain cultural views to the detriment of others. Based on the presenters' positions as researchers in the fields of teacher education and literacy (Dr. Mora) and history and international relations (Dr. Golovátina-Mora), this presentation wants to offer a starting point for what the presenters hope will be a much larger conversation beyond this seminar. The seminar will comprise three parts: In the first part, there will be a discussion of different views about bilingualism and cosmopolitanism as social, linguistic, and cultural constructs. In the second part, the presenters will address how bilingualism may (or may not) contribute to a more cosmopolitan worldview. Finally, the presenters will discuss some possible implications for education of a more comprehensive view of bilingualism as a construct that may really promote a larger understanding of culture.

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